CMU field hockey ends home schedule this weekend
The Central Michigan field hockey team looks to rebound this weekend after missing a chance to grab the top spot in the Mid-American Conference.
“We have to really make sure we stay positive as we move forward,” CMU head coach Cristy Freese said. “We know from watching the tape against Kent (State) that there were a couple goals out there.”
The team is embracing its coach’s message.
“The second you let a game that you’ve already done defeat you, you’re letting them defeat you twice,” CMU midfielder Paulina Lee said.
The Chippewas could separate themselves from the bottom of the pack by beating Miami and Ball State on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
CMU, Miami (OH) and Ball State share third place in the standings with a 3-3 conference record. Bottom feeder Missouri State and perennial powers Ohio and Kent State seem to have etched their place in the standings as the conference season approaches its finish.
The Chippewas routed the Cardinals 5-1 in their first matchup, but Ball State has won two of its last three games.
Miami has been more sporadic. It beat Kent State on the road, only losing to Ball State twice.
CMU players Brooke Sihota and Lee play in their last two games at the CMU Field Hockey Complex this weekend.
“I think it will be emotional for us,” Lee said. “To think, this is our last home weekend and last time we’ll be warming up on our home field, in our locker room, our music… I mean, it’s tough.”
Freese described the two seniors as great leaders.
“A lot of times when you get to your senior year, sometimes I think kids have already peaked and they don’t work to get any better and Paulina is just someone who is getting better and better,” Freese said.
She also said her decision to place Sihota back on defense has flourished. That based off the Chippewas No. 2 ranking in points allowed in the MAC.
The two captains will be introduced at the beginning of the game, preceeding that, the players will meet with family members for congratulatory embraces.
“Both my parents and sister have been there for me for everything," Lee said. "My sister is the main reason I started playing field hockey. I kind of followed her in her footsteps and of course I have to give it out to my parents, dedicating themselves to coming out to see my games in any kind of weather.”
Lee said that the last two home games of her career will be meaningful.
“This one is a little more heartfelt because it is mine and Brooke's last weekend at home ever at Central Michigan,” Lee said. “We love having our family up. We love having our friends up or people who just pass by and wonder what field hockey is, so any kind of fan support we get always boost our spirits.”
